Argentine TangoFrequently Asked Questions

What do I need for class?

We recommend comfortable leather-soled shoes. No special clothing, knowledge, or dance partner is required for tango classes. One is, of course, free to wear dance shoes, outfits and bring along a partner.

How are the classes structured?

Our classes are progressive for the month, each class building upon the previous. We begin with warm-up and movement drills geared to the steps and techniques presented in the class. We then review what we have learned so far this month, then present the new material. We break down the steps and technique in incremental detail with extensive practice and refinements so the students can construct a fluid understanding of the dance. Partner rotate frequently so students may experience many individual styles of lead and follow.

What is a milonga?

A milonga is one of three things, a type of tango music, a type of tango dance, or a social dance event.Tango Milonga music usually has a 2/4 tempo and is said to have originated in the Río de la Plata area of Argentina and Uruguay from a style of singing known as "payada de contrapunto," somewhere in the mid 1800's. The milonga beat is syncopated, consisting of 8 beats with accents on the 1st, (sometimes also 2nd) 4th, 5th, and 7th beats. The beats-per-minute in milonga is quite fast, mostly in the range of 130-200. The Tango Milonga dance is a style of tango dance performed to milonga music, and is usually faster than Tango music and more rhythmic. There are two main styles of milonga dance: Milonga Lisa, where one steps on each beat; and Milonga con Traspié, where changes of weight often occur in counterpoint, or double-time. A Tango Milonga social dance eventis a venue where people gather to dance Argentine Tango. Usually held in the evening they last several or many hours. In Argentina, many begin quite late at night and last to the dawn hours. In the USA, they tend to start earlier in the evening and conclude around midnight. The music is arranged in three or four song groups called "tandas" separated by short, usually non-tango pieces called "cortinas" which indicate a change of orchestra and/or music style, and imply a change of dance partner as well. There is no set structure to the ratio of Tango Vals and Milonga tandas played with Argentine Tango, but commonly Vals an Milonga together comprise about one third of the music played at a Tango milonga social dance event.

Is there a tango etiquette?

Basic etiquette is not to provide unsolicited advice to your dance partner, especially on the social dance floor, but also at practicas or in classes. If a dance partner asks for critique then it is fine to provide it, but bear in mind that one's assessment may well be wrong. If an instructor is present, it is always best to defer to their knowledge. (It is easy to find fault with one's dance partner, and easy to overlook one's own errors in posture, balance or communication. This especially applies to leaders. If your partner is not doing what you expect, or not behaving exactly as another did, perhaps you need to adapt better, clarify the physical communication, and earn the step, rather than expect identical responses.)At a tango milonga social dance event, it is fine to stand and chat for a few bars at the start of a song, but once one starts to dance, is is impolite to talk, as it takes one's partner and others nearby out of the moment. And those "tango moments" are deeply prized. So avoid stepping on other's enjoyment of the tango by employing the tired but true adage: "Shut up and dance."

How do I ask someone to dance?

There is a convention known as the "cabeseo" consisting of a glance and nod as a way of asking someone to dance that avoids the "walk of shame" that can happen by approaching someone to verbally ask for a dance. Essentially, one catches the eye of a prospective dance partner and makes a motion with the head towards the dance floor. This can all be very subtle, nearly invisible to everyone else. If someone glances away from your inquiry, it is best not to insist, they may not wish to dance at this time for any number of reasons best left as a mystery.